Making the move to Exchange Online could solve some of the IT problems your network administrators face, but don't try it until you've successfully concluded a pilot program. Here's how to test it out with minimum disruption.

With group policy, IT administrators can take greater control of the computers running on their network. Windows Server 2008 R2 increases the control administrators have with powerful new enhancements.

Microsoft has made troubleshooting its SME server bundle pretty simple for non-technical operators, but only up to a certain point. Learn how to correct errors the easy way, and learn when it's time to call in advanced support.

Microsoft's Essential Business Server 2008 is meant to pack enterprise punch on a budget. Good news for organizations without huge IT departments: Most management options can be found in just one place.

Microsoft's EBS 2008 bundles full-blown messaging, database and security services in an easy-to-manage package you can leave in the hands of less savvy personnel, conserving precious budget and IT resources. Before they can use it, though, you'll need a Windows expert to set it up.

Responding to SME sensitivity about price and features, Microsoft's EBS 2008 bundles full-blown messaging, database and security services in an easy-to-manage package you can leave in the hands of less savvy personnel, conserving precious budget and IT resources.

Iterative improvement is a Microsoft signature, and the company is behaving no differently with Hyper-V 2.0, which addresses some of the complaints critics have leveled when they compare it to VMWare's offerings.